"You know, it's easier to, you know, break your back for someone that has that kind of mentality.'' - Glenn Carson on strength coach Craig Fitzgerald

CHICAGO -- What began as a simple Bill O'Brien answer to a question about morning workouts and nutrition morphed into the latest example of why Penn State's Craig Fitzgerald is one of the best, and most unique, strength and conditioning coaches in college football.

O'Brien, PSU's second-year head coach, was recalling a recent conversation with Fitzgerald about when the best time was for the Lions to work out. (The answer? Between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m., with some nutrition mixed in before and after the session).

Then O'Brien, here at the Big Ten Media Days, relayed a conversation he had with PSU players John Urschel, Glenn Carson and Malcolm Willis just before they boarded an early Wednesday morning flight to appear here.

"I think that we've found that the majority of our guys really like to work out early in the morning,'' said O'Brien, pausing before adding, "Not as early as Fitz'.''

"He works out at 3:30 in the morning,'' O'Brien continued.

"He (Fitzgerald) is out of his mind. They (the players) told me that they asked 'Fitz', 'Is it okay, can you open the weight room at 4 a.m. so we can get a workout in and get on the plane?'

"I mean, the guy (Fitzgerald) is absolutely out of his mind,'' Carson said, smiling.

"He's in there at 3:30 (in the morning), you should see the kind of stuff that he's doing, he's doing the same exact workout that we're doing.''

And according to O'Brien and Carson, he is the right type of coach, and personality, you need to direct a major college strength and conditioning program.

"He's the ideal strength coach that you want to have,'' Carson said.

"You know, he brings that energy, that intensity, and he's just a warrior. You know, it's easier to, you know, break your back for someone that has that kind of mentality. I love working with Coach Fitzgerald.''

O'Brien said he first met Fitzgerald a decade ago when they were both assistant coaches on Ralph Friedgen's Maryland staff.

"We just developed a bond when we were at Maryland together,'' O'Brien said.

"It was only for two seasons. … If he was sitting here right now, he'd probably point at me and say, 'You're the same way'.

"He's his own man. So I knew he was intense, a hard worker and good with the kids.''